“Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.” –Habakkuk 3:18
Notice the first word of this verse–“Yet”. To get the context what follows it must be read along with verse 17, “ Although the fig tree shall not blossom , neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail , and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls:” I have many fond memories of these verses and have often been greatly encouraged, and challenged, by them. They deserve our attention!
James Smith wrote, “Observe, I entreat you, how calamitous a circumstance is here supposed, and how heroic a faith is expressed. It is really as if he said, “Though I should be reduced to so great extremity as not to know where to find my necessary food, though I should look around about me on an empty house and a desolate field, and see the marks of the Divine scourge where I had once seen the fruits of God’s bounty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord.” Dear friends, we all should be so joyful! Another writer, whose name I have forgotten, said:
This is why it is crucial that we keep, “ Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.”(Heb. 12:2-3).
